Oracle unveils new online marketplace software
The database giant announces three additions to its online trading exchange to more efficiently link sales, marketing, manufacturing and shipping.
The three new add-ons to Oracle's online marketplace software, called Oracle Exchange, will help companies save money by linking sales, marketing, manufacturing and shipping all under one umbrella, said Mark Jarvis, Oracle's chief marketing officer.
The new software will allow businesses to connect and collaborate with their entire network of suppliers, partners and customers, as well as integrate their product development, manufacturing and shipping operations, Oracle executives said.
Oracle, an early player in the business-to-business market, was one of the first software makers to refocus its business strategy to target that sector. Its first move in the business-to-business market was when it "="/news/0-1006-200-1427351.html"" rel="">teamed with Ford in 1999 to build a venture to connect the automaker to its global materials and parts suppliers over the Net.
The three products are:
• Oracle Supply Chain Exchange, which connects companies with suppliers, partners and customers and manages online transactions. It can track orders and inventory and allow partners to collaborate on such things as the planning of new product announcements or joint marketing efforts;
• Oracle Transportation Exchange, software that will allow online marketplaces to offer the buying and selling of shipping and transportation services;
• and Product Development Exchange, software that allows a company to communicate with suppliers and partners during the development, design and manufacturing of new products.
The supply chain and product development products are available immediately, while the transportation product will be available this spring, company executives said.
Oracle also announced a new partner program, which will allow software and services from other companies to work with Oracle Exchange, as well as Oracle's own online marketplace for buying and selling goods and services, called OracleExchange.com.
Oracle Chief Executive Larry Ellison canceled his appearance Tuesday because he was ill.
Thirty companies have signed up for the Oracle Exchange Partner Initiative, including software makers Vignette and WebMethods; financial institutions Citibank and Wells Fargo, which will help ensure financial transactions; and consulting firms Cap Gemini, Ernst & Young and PricewaterhouseCoopers.